BIKERS CLUB JANUARY 2020 ISSUE | Page 15

BIKERS CLUB ® | MAGAZINE | PAGE 15 to an international level of competitions. In India, we don't have any associations for stunt riding like we have FMSCI for racing. So stunt riding has been taken as entertainment in India, showcasing skills on competitions & various events. Max to max people themselves have organized their local competitions, but nothing professional is coming along. BC: How many bikes you own, and which was your first bike? Have you named them? Any particular bike you DISLIKE? AH: My first bike was a Honda Stunner 125, but it was taken away from me in a month after my parents got to know I am doing stunts on the bike. After that, I purchased TVS APACHE 180cc used bike 2008 model in 2013 in January. Now I also have an Impulse Rally Race set up with Karizma engine. I don't think I hate any motorcycle as every motorcycle is built for its purpose. It's all about finding the one which suits your needs. BC: Who's your inspiration in life and riding? Have you ever done any professional training in stunt riding? AH: I initially got inspired by watching Sarah Lezito's youtube videos. She has been the reason I started so confidently in the first place. I also got inspired by my friend Kalaithamizhan from Neyveli. He is someone I look up to in life in general and in stunt riding as well. I only have been trained under him for a few months. He is a self-taught athlete, and he is one of the best freestyle athletes in our country. BC: How often you practice? Any competitions are you taking part in? AH: Practice is not only about riding a motorcycle, but it is also about mental and physical training. I have only taken part in Indonesian stunt competition in Jakarta, Tangerang, held in the first week of May 2017. I used to practice every day back in the time to improve my skills, not for any competition, but now since I have shifted my focus to Cross Country Rally Racing, I have changed my training plan. It's a lot more physical, mental, and obviously on the bike as well. It also includes injuries or sickness, so training depends on various factors. BC: Tell us about your first ride and or a first stunt performance? AH: My first bike ride was LML freedom in my hometown Lucknow. My first stunt was on my scooty Activa, and I did a Christ where you stand on the seat of the scooty. BC: What type of rider you think you are? Aggressive or Conservative? How many stunt performances have you done till now? AH: My riding style is quite calm, but it gets aggressive as I enjoy and get more comfortable with the bike and with what I am doing. But I am a safe rider on the road, on the stunt track everywhere. I have performed stunt shows all over India in the past. I have done approx. 30 stunt shows, but after a point, I wanted to take it as a sport, so I stopped doing stunt shows and started riding to train and compete with riders. BC: As we know, male riders in India are dominating stunt riding in India, were you taken seriously while competing or performing amongst male riders? Also, tell us about your best and worst ride/stunt performance till now? AH: I was never taken seriously in this field and even now. First of all, who is even allowed to judge me when there is no unity and organization in this sport in India. But being a woman attracted a lot of people. Stunt skills aren't about competing against other riders; it's about getting better than who you were yesterday. But as you know, the male ego always kicks in, men don't understand how physically challenging this sport can get for a woman & the learning process is always different for every human being.